Arcade Fire Backtracks on Dress Code Banning Crop Tops and Flip-Flops

Rock group Arcade Fire is clarifying the strict dress code that was imposed for an upcoming show, after fans mocked the rule on social media.

On Monday, Tannis Wright, the social media manager for “Everything Now” — the band’s fifth album, released on July 28 — posted the following message on Twitter: “The information sent to attendees of this week’s Arcade Fire show in Brooklyn was made by me, without the knowledge of the band. I was trying to class up the show a little bit because it’s going to be seen by literally billions of people, due to the involvement of our partners at Apple. Sue me for wanting something nice.”

Wright added that fans attending the July 27 record release show should wear something either “hip and trendy” or “old-fashioned and unpopular,” and asked that any logos worn should feature Arcade Fire or Everything Now. Yahoo Style could not reach Wright for further comment.

The band also chimed in, tweeting, “Wear whatever you want to any show.” And Arcade Fire singer Win Butler indicated that the dress code may have been initiated by Apple, which is live-streaming the concert on Apple Music, according to entertainment site AV Club.

Band has nothing to do with a dress code or taking people's phones. Must be an @apple thing. Maybe Black turtlenecks

According to music website Brooklyn Vegan, earlier in the day, fans received an email update that reportedly read, “PLEASE DO NOT WEAR shorts, large logos, flip-flops, tank tops, crop tops, baseball hats, solid white or red clothing. We reserve the right to deny entry to anyone dressed inappropriately.”

The language also included a detailed plan for electronics which “will be secured in Yondr pouches that will be unlocked at the end of the show. Guests maintain possession of their phones throughout the night, and if needed, may access their phones at designated Yondr unlocking stations in the lobby.”

Social media didn’t take kindly to the rules — or the band’s perceived damage control.

Arcade Fire doesn't sound like much fun to me. An enforced dress code for a 30-minute show? https://t.co/e97kvragJP

It’s not the first time the band has tried to impose a concert dress code. In 2013, Brooklyn Vegan reported that fans were asked to wear “formal attire of costume” to Arcade Fire shows, inspiring a wave of backlash. In response, the band told fans to “please relax” and that the rules were “super not mandatory.”